Korean schools are very different from American schools. One of the biggest differences has to do with teachers moving schools. It is mandatory for teachers to move schools every 5 years, with most choosing to change every 4 years. Unless the school is a private school or a specialized field school, all teachers move schools. My school is no different. All of the subject teachers change schools and new ones come in. The exception is the specialized teachers, some are contract teachers, meaning they don't have to switch schools, and some have 10 year contracts. Just the way things are done here.
The reason Korea forces teachers to change schools has something to do with equaling the playing field for children. They are trying to make sure that no one school has all the "good" experienced teachers and the "poorer less desirable" schools have a chance. Within this idea, teachers will get points if they go to a less desirable school and these points lead to promotions and the like. Again, it is all for the equalization of schools for the students.
Now, this system is not perfect. Obviously, private schools do not have to change teachers, and some specialized schools do not either. Also, schools like mine (read not an emphasis on the "main subjects") are less desirable for teachers. Teachers get extra points by working here and many do not want to work here because the students aren't as academically driven.* Places like Gangnam and Bundang are more desirable and often once a teacher is in that district they try hard to stay in the district. It really just depends.
I go on about this because of some changes happening at my school. One of my co-teachers has hit her 5 year mark at the school and is leaving for another High School in Icheon (a town over from Yeoju). This is great for her because her son will be going to school in Icheon and she really wanted to work there. Now, I thought that she was the only co-teacher that would be leaving because of the year changes. The other three have been here as long as I have, about 2 years. However, that is not the case. Two more of my co-teachers are leaving. The college teacher will be going to Yangjae, which is really close to his family in Suwon. While the youngest teacher will be going to Suwon, where her family is. This is wonderful news for both of them. It was really hard on them with commuting and such on the weekends and not getting to see their family.
It is great but I am sad because I will have three new co-teachers next year. In Korea, co-teachers can make or break your experience at a school. I have been extremely lucky with the four I have had at my school. They are relaxed and speak English very well. They are wonderful and I will miss them. I am excited to meet the new teachers but also a little scared. Who knows what will happen but we will see. Here is hoping they are just as awesome as the co-teachers who are leaving.
*Side note: not all of my students are like this. I have a lot that want to go to college and do a variety of different things. On the other hand, I have many students who don't want to go to college and will enter the workforce after school. And my students are in no way stupid, they are just in a different type of school that emphasizes a variety of options for the kids. Nothing wrong with that.
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